Some Omega-3’s Better Than Others in Liver Disease?

Research published in the online Journal of Nutrition has found that one type of Omega-3 has a powerful effect in helping prevent inflammation in the liver – and fibrosis.

The researchers from Oregon State University quote statistics from the American Liver Foundation to show that non-alcoholic liver disease is found in 25% of all Americans (this goes up to 75% amongst obese people). This can progress on to a more serious conditions such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis.

They went on to compare the effects of two types of Omega-3 on this kind of liver condition: DHA and EPA.

The research found that EPA was not very effective in preventing any fibrosis, or scarring, of the liver (as in NASH), whilst DHA was, as it appeared to reduce the amount of proteins involved in liver fibrosis by more than 65%.

One of the principal investigators, Donald Jump, explained:

“A reduction of that magnitude in the actual scarring and damage to the liver is very important. Many clinical trials are being done with omega-3 fatty acids related to liver disease ... our studies may represent the first to specifically compare the capacity of EPA versus DHA to prevent NASH. It appears that DHA, which can also be converted to EPA in the human body, is one of the most valuable for this purpose.”

“Omega-3 fatty acids are typically recommended for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Recommended intake levels of omega-3 fatty acids in humans for disease prevention are around 200-500 milligrams of combined DHA and EPA per day... DHA was more effective than EPA at attenuating inflammation, oxidative stress, fibrosis and hepatic damage.”

“Based on these results, DHA may be a more attractive dietary supplement than EPA for the prevention and potential treatment of NASH in obese humans.”